The genetic secret helping bats survive a deadly epidemic
Summary
Hosts Regina Barber and Gina go on a bat walk in New York City before exploring white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease decimating US bat populations. Conservation biologist Georgia Oteri explains how the fungus kills hibernating bats and why some little brown bats survive. She details how genetic traits, like higher body mass, aid survival but may create trade-offs with reproduction, potentially slowing population recovery.
Topics discussed
Intro and sponsor: Henry Ford Health
Host's conflicted feelings about bats
The NYC bat walk experience
Meeting the guide and local bat species
What is White-Nose Syndrome?
The impact on scientists and the episode preview
Sponsors: HomeServe, Edward Jones, Carvana
How the fungus spread to the US
How bats die from the infection
Affected species and the Little Brown Bat
Genetic advantages of surviving bats
Why scientists study these survivors
Body mass and hibernation energy costs
Genetic trade-offs and complexity
Reproductive trade-offs in female bats
Longevity and the timeline of the disease
Human parallels and future population trends
Conclusion and credits
Sponsors: Henry Ford Health and Capella
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